Rabat – Morocco’s Ministry of Interior announced that as many as 263 members of public security forces were injured during youth-led protests that have been taking place in Morocco in the past four days.
Spokesperson for the ministry, Rachid Khalfi, confirmed the news on Wednesday during a press conference, where he outlined the country’s mobilization in response to vandalism and riots that overshadowed peaceful protests that started in several cities since Saturday.
The protests during the weekend witnessed arrests of several youth, some of whom were fully detained and taken to police stations. Many protesters were arrested while giving their statements to the press.
Videos also show people being taken to police vehicles despite emphasizing that they are not part of the protests.
Khalifi said that some of the protests that are taking place have escalated dangerously, affecting public security and order.
Many videos documented riots and vandalism, in addition to protestors throwing stones at security personnel and vehicles.
Other videos also show security services forcibly taking youth while they contest their arrests. Youth were seen arguing with security services, emphasizing that they have done nothing wrong, but are only demanding basic rights like education and healthcare reforms.
Videos also show protesters setting vehicles on fire, as well as vandalizing public and private businesses like banks and local markets.
According to the ministry, 69 public service members in the Inzegane-Ait Melloul province were injured and three public security and four private vehicles were damaged during the protests. Rioting also reportedly caused damage to three bank agencies, an insurance agency, a pharmacy, and several commercial businesses.
In Oujda-Angad, the ministry reported that 51 security members were injured and 40 vehicles and two commercial stores were damaged.
In Skhirat-Temara, 44 security services were injured, and 47 public security vehicles as well as 13 private cars were damaged.
In Beni Mellal, 28 personnel were injured while seven security vehicles were damaged, and in Errachidia, 13 personnel were injured and eight vehicles were damaged.
In Berkane, 10 public security personnel were injured and 12 vehicles were damaged. In Tiznit, 8 personnel were injured, and one private vehicle was damaged. In Kenitra, 8 personnel were injured, and five in Chtouka Ait Baha. Additionally, in Chtouka Ait Baha, 12 public security vehicles and one private vehicle were damaged.
Rabat witnessed five injuries among personnel, as well as five in Guelmim, four in Khenifra, four in Meknes, two in Ouarzazate, two in Casablanca, and four in Nador, where 10 public security vehicles were damaged. Additionally, the ministry reported that one security personnel was injured in Taroudant.
